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Enigma Subwoofer 1980s

I was given a subwoofer that I was told came from the 1980s. It is called an Enigma Subwoofer. The subwoofer comprises 4 woofers mounted in a 2x2 array. There is no cabinet/enclosure around the back side of the speaker (finite baffle).

I believe it once included a controller which I do not have (probably a low pass filter/limiter).

Has anyone heard this subwoofer or know anything about the company that made it? If so, I would appreciate any feedback on the quality of the speaker/sound quality. If this was a reasonable speaker I might want to try to use it. My concern would be damaging the speaker by overdriving it. Would anyone know the amount of power it could handle? I would probably limit the frequency below 80Hz. I would also probably try to use an equalizer on it.

Thank you very much for any input you can give me.
Regards,
Gary
gwho

Showing 2 responses by gwho

gwho OP
47 posts
 
Thank you very much for the reply. I will look into getting the cross-over which I do not have.

Your comments were greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Gary
gwho OP
47 posts
 
There is almost no information on this device out there. I did find out that it retailed for 2295.00 back in the 80s which means it was a high end piece. It could also get down to 20hz. I also wish I had a schematic also. I have removed the cloth from mine as I thought the speakers had an issue. As it turns out the speakers are in great shape still with good foam surrounds. My controller functions intermittently so I don't use it now. I agree with you. When it was working it could definitely put out the bass. Dipole subwoofer sounds different than a box subwoofer.

Have your tech put a signal generator to the electronic equalizer. It would be very valuable if your tech can find out the following:
1. what frequency does the 18db/octave low pass kick in.
2. what frequency does the 18db/octave (or 6db/octave) high pass kick in.
3. resonant frequency of the woofer
4. most critical is to understand at what frequency the 6db boost occurs to compensate for the open baffle dipole fall off.

The woofers are custom designs with an xmax of 1". The Enigma was ahead of its time!

Let me know if you find this info as I would like to restore my enigma.

Congrats on a great find.

gwho
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